Przeglad Menopauzalny最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence, diagnosis, and management of dysmenorrhea among Polish women: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Katarzyna Kwas-Sarnancka, Maria Szubert, Julia Zawierucha, Aleksandra Urban, Magdalena Bednarek-Jędrzejek, Anna Bogaczyk, Daniel Patryk Wolder, Julia Bijok, Jacek Wilczyński","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.164753","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2026.164753","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dysmenorrhea is a common condition that significantly impacts women's quality of life, yet it remains underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. This study aimed to assess its prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic pathways, and treatment strategies among Polish women.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,172 women aged 17-66 years (mean 29.4 ±8.7) using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, comorbidities, symptom profile, diagnostic processes, and treatment approaches.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dysmenorrhea was reported by 95.8% of participants, with 69.7% experiencing symptoms regularly. Pain intensity was high (mean visual analogue scale [VAS] 7.77 ±1.65), and most women reported impairment in daily activities (78.4%) and work performance (87%). The average number of sick leave days was 8.92 per year. Symptoms typically lasted 1-3 days and were frequently accompanied by systemic manifestations such as weakness, diarrhoea, back pain, and fatigue. Only 43% of respondents sought medical evaluation, with a mean diagnostic delay of 4.2 years. Among diagnosed cases (29.1%), endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and uterine fibroids were most common. Hormonal therapy was the most frequently used treatment (42.8%), followed by analgesics and surgical interventions. While 58.7% of participants reported improvement, 25% experienced no benefit. Treatment-related adverse effects were common (74.3%). Pain intensity decreased significantly after treatment (mean VAS 4.24 ±2.6; <i>p</i> = 0.03). Non-pharmacological methods, including dietary changes and physiotherapy, were widely used but showed limited effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent and substantially affects daily functioning among Polish women. Delayed diagnosis and limited treatment effectiveness highlight the need for improved management strategies and greater clinical awareness.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 2","pages":"79-92"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659213/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149186475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Osteoporosis: current diagnostic possibilities, a literature review.","authors":"Michał Swoboda, Wojciech Pluskiewicz","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.163772","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2026.163772","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Osteoporosis is recognised as a civilization disease characterised by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of fractures, particularly among postmenopausal women and the elderly. Current data indicate that a significant portion of individuals suffering from osteoporosis remains undiagnosed, highlighting the need for the development of diagnostic methods. This literature review comprehensively analyses existing diagnostic methods for osteoporosis. A literature review was conducted utilising electronic databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar, to identify relevant articles published up to 2025. Articles were searched by combining related terms, such as \"osteoporosis diagnostics\", \"imaging diagnostics in osteoporosis\" and \"osteoporosis\". Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry effectively assesses BMD and helps evaluate fracture risk; however, due to its limitations, diagnosis may not always be timely, necessitating the use of supplementary methods. Imaging technologies such as computed tomography, quantitative computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are being investigated for their potential to provide additional insights into bone microarchitecture and health, while reducing patient exposure to ionizing radiation. Moreover, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), including deep learning (DL), show potential for improving diagnostics. Studies suggest that DL models demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity, creating potential for the development of screening tools using imaging data obtained during routine examinations. This article provides a critical review of current diagnostic possibilities in osteoporosis, emphasising the importance of a multifaceted approach that integrates traditional imaging and modern AI-based methodologies to enhance the early detection, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 2","pages":"103-108"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659209/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149186500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magnetotherapy application to the pelvic floor dysfunctions: a systematic review.","authors":"Paola Emilia Ferrara, Alberto Cutaia, Rossella Calciano, Alessandra Zeni, Mariantonietta Ariani, Eleonora Conti, Valentina Billone, Elena Chitoran, Giuseppe Gullo, Gianpaolo Ronconi","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.163856","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2026.163856","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, can significantly impact quality of life. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to new rehabilitation treatments like magnetotherapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetotherapy in pelvic floor dysfunctions. We searched PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and it was registered on PROSPERO. We used also PRISMA checklist for the abstracts. In accordance with the PICO we collected six randomised controlled trials published between 2009 and 2025 satisfying the following criteria: adult women diagnosed with pelvic floor disorders; we excluded male participants, animal models, subjects with dermatological conditions affecting the pelvic area. Various magnetotherapy modalities were used. Control groups received placebo, sham treatments, or conventional pelvic floor muscle training. Outcomes were assessed using both objective measures and subjective tools. Despite heterogeneity in protocols and outcome measures, magnetotherapy appears effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Magnetotherapy offers a promising, non-invasive alternative potentially improving adherence to treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 2","pages":"109-115"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659214/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149186440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modulation of hormones in perimenopausal women by probiotics associated by specific gut bacteria: a pilot study.","authors":"Sara Julietta Lozano Herrera, Tania Aguilar López, Niko Alain Cruz Sancen, Nataly García Gutiérrez, Haydé Azeneth Vergara Castañeda, Diego Iván Morales Hernandez","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.164129","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2026.164129","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Perimenopause is characterised by hormonal fluctuations that can affect metabolism. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota, which can be regulated by taking probiotics, influences hormone regulation. One proposed mechanism is the activity of β-glucuronidase, which hydrolyzes excreted hormones, allowing them to be reabsorbed. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium longum</i> on oestrogen levels through their β-glucuronidase activity.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A single-arm pre-post pilot study was conducted on 20 perimenopausal women aged 50-55 years who received 10⁹ colony-forming units/day of probiotics for 12 weeks. Symptoms were assessed with the greene climacteric scale. Samples were collected before and after the intervention to determine hormone levels and biochemical parameters in the blood, as well as β-glucuronidase activity, oestrone and specific gut bacteria in the stool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Probiotic supplementation with <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i>, and <i>Bifido- bacterium</i> longum resulted in benefits, including improvement in specific gut bacteria, an increase in estradiol (6.86 ±-5.20 pg/ml), and an increase in β-glucuronidase activity (1.21 ±-1.15 mg phenolphthalein).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>It can be concluded that supplementation under the described conditions improves specific bacteria, increases estradiol, and increases β-glucuronidase activity. Although methodological limitations prevent demonstrating a direct impact on quality of life, this mechanistic approach to the estrobolome provides valuable support for guiding the design of new research on hormonal homeostasis in perimenopause.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 2","pages":"71-78"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659211/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149186473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modern methods of treating vaginal dryness and atrophy.","authors":"Anton Osnytskyy, Daria Furman, Kinga Bukała, Kamil Rutkowski, Beata Mroczkowska, Bartosz Kulig, Krzysztof Szyłło, Tomasz Szaflik","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.164975","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2026.164975","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vaginal dryness is a prevalent and multifactorial condition affecting women across all age groups. Although most common in peri- and postmenopausal populations, it is also observed in younger women due to hormonal imbalances, endocrine disorders (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome, type 2 diabetes), autoimmune diseases, infections, pharmacotherapy (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, hormonal contraceptives, oncological treatments), and lifestyle factors such as smoking. To review the etiopathogenesis of vaginal dryness and assess current treatment modalities offered by aesthetic and cosmetic gynaecology. A comprehensive analysis of current literature was performed to identify key pathophysiological factors, including oestrogen deficiency, mucosal inflammation, epithelial thinning, and dysbiosis. The clinical efficacy and indications for various treatment modalities were critically assessed. Energy-based treatments (e.g., laser therapy, radiofrequency, high-intensity focused ultrasound, nanoultrasound) have shown promising outcomes in restoring tissue hydration and elasticity, especially in postmenopausal and oncology patients. Injectable therapies - such as hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and tropocollagen - support local tissue repair and mucosal regeneration. Hormone replacement therapy remains the standard of care in oestrogen-deficient patients, whereas non-hormonal agents, including topical moisturisers, offer symptom relief in individuals with contraindications to hormonal interventions. Vaginal dryness requires an individualised treatment approach based on the underlying aetiology, hormonal status, and patient-specific factors. Combined or sequential therapies may yield superior outcomes in terms of symptom management and overall patient satisfaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 2","pages":"116-122"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659208/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149186479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations between body composition, physical activity, and life satisfaction in perimenopausal women aged 40-50 years: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Agnieszka Barbara Gdańska, Tomasz Jurys, Ewa Sadowska-Krępa, Mateusz Krystian Grajek","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.163868","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2026.163868","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Hormonal changes during perimenopause may lead to alterations in body composition, including increased fat mass and reduced muscle mass, potentially increasing the risk of overweight, obesity, and chronic diseases. These changes may also negatively affect psychological well-being and life satisfaction. This study aimed to assess body composition, physical activity, and life satisfaction, and to examine their relationships in professionally active women aged 40-50 years during perimenopause.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 106 professionally active women aged 40-50 years in the perimenopausal period. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, physical activity using pedometers, and life satisfaction with the satisfaction with life scale. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overweight was observed in 81.1% of participants. Mean life satisfaction was moderate (28.4 points). Body fat percentage (BF%) was negatively correlated with life satisfaction (<i>r</i> = -0.33; <i>p</i> = 0.001), explaining 11% of the variance. Body mass index showed a weaker negative association (<i>r</i> = -0.28; <i>p</i> = 0.004). Physical activity was positively associated with life satisfaction (<i>r</i> = 0.36; <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Body composition and physical activity are significantly associated with life satisfaction in perimenopausal women. Physical activity appears to be the strongest predictor, while BF% may act as a partial mediator of this relationship.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 2","pages":"63-70"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659212/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149186418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal antepartum anaemia and its association with transfusion and perinatal outcomes: a 10-year retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Andrzej Jaworowski, Aleksander Gałaś, Jarmila Zdanowicz, Daniel Surbek, Hubert Huras, Magdalena Kołak","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.164974","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2026.164974","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Maternal anaemia may identify women at increased risk of transfusion and adverse peripartum outcomes. We examined these associations and described selected local outcome rates prior to the implementation of a formal obstetric patient blood management (PBM) pathway.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort included singleton delivery from 25 July 2012 to 31 December 2021. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin < 11.0 g/dl in the complete blood count. The primary outcome was red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during the index hospitalisation. Models were adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, mode of delivery, calendar year, and delivery order. Because some women contributed more than one delivery, standard errors were clustered at the woman level. Neonatal analyses were exploratory.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>7.1% of cases were classified as anaemic. Red blood cell transfusion occurred in 107/1,153 episodes with anaemia (9.3%) and 249/15,189 without anaemia (1.6%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.60-9.63). Postpartum instrumental uterine exploration occurred in 4.1% vs. 2.8%, respectively (aOR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.39-2.72). Preterm birth before 37 weeks occurred in 26.7% vs. 11.2%, respectively (aOR 2.75, 95% CI: 2.37-3.18). Low birthweight and low Apgar scores were more frequent in episodes with anaemia, but their estimates approached the null after additional adjustment for gestational age.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Haemoglobin-defined anaemia at admission for delivery was strongly associated with RBC transfusion during the index hospitalisation. These data provide a partial local pre-implementation baseline for future prospective evaluation but do not establish anaemia aetiology, treatment effectiveness, or a causal benefit of PBM.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 2","pages":"93-102"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659207/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149186423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond the panacea: addressing the systemic failure in midlife female sexual health.","authors":"Mariam Sherif, Panayoti Bachkangi","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.164976","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2026.164976","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Menopause is a universal midlife transition that profoundly impacts physical, psychological, and sexual wellbeing. In recent years, clinical and public attention has increasingly focused on post-reproductive health, with hormone replacement therapy and targeted symptom management gaining renewed prominence. While a growing array of evidence-based treatment options now exists to address vasomotor, mood, and sexual health concerns, the rapid expansion of therapeutic availability has introduced new clinical challenges. The democratisation of sexual and menopausal health information, though valuable in reducing stigma, has paradoxically decoupled patient expectations from clinical complexity. This review critically examines how digital marketing, social media amplification, and consumer-driven demand increasingly curate diagnostic conclusions before the clinical encounter begins. We demonstrate that these structural pressures, compounded by time-constrained consultations and cognitive heuristics, foster a culture of therapeutic shortcutting - most notably through the premature escalation to testosterone therapy for hypoactive sexual desire disorder. By synthesising evidence on clinical inertia, commercial determinants of health, and diagnostic attribution bias, we argue that current practice frequently bypasses rigorous biopsychosocial assessment, reducing multifactorial symptoms to simplistic hormonal narratives. We contextualise this trend within the regulatory precedent of the mid-urethral tape controversy, warning that unchecked diagnostic expansion risks triggering a blunt-instrument regulatory overcorrection that would indiscriminately restrict access to evidence-based therapies. Ultimately, we advocate for a deliberate return to ethical, humanistic gatekeeping. Clinicians must reclaim the consultation as a deliberative, evidence-based encounter: treating the patient not as a product of commercial demand, but as a whole person navigating a complex physiological and psychosocial transition.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 2","pages":"123-128"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659210/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149186504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simultaneous embolisation of uterine arteries and ovarian veins as a management for chronic pelvic pain due to pelvic venous disorders and adenomyosis.","authors":"Filip Szkodziak, Sławomir Woźniak, Piotr Robert Szkodziak, Krzysztof Pyra, Tomaszg Paszkowski, Michał Sojka","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.161499","DOIUrl":"10.5114/pm.2026.161499","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) of gynaecological origin encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders, among which pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) and adenomyosis are recognised contributors. Concomitant PeVD and adenomyosis may potentiate symptom burden and complicate management strategies. A 45-year-old parous woman was referred with a protracted history of CPP manifesting as lower abdominal, lumbar and hip pain, exacerbated by prolonged orthostasis and coital activity. Menstrual symptoms comprised dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia complicated by iron-deficiency anaemia. Prior conservative measures were ineffective and the patient declined definitive surgical intervention. Transvaginal ultrasonography demonstrated features consistent with both adenomyosis and pelvic venous congestion. After multidisciplinary discussion, the patient underwent endovascular treatment consisting of concurrent embolisation of the bilateral uterine arteries and ovarian veins, performed by an interventional radiologist. At six-month follow-up the patient reported complete resolution of abdominal, back and hip pain and of menstrual pain and menorrhagia; postcoital ache persisted but was markedly attenuated. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a reduction in the radiological extent of adenomyosis and no evidence of pelvic venous reflux. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of simultaneous embolisation of the uterine arteries and ovarian veins for CPP attributable to coexisting PeVD and adenomyosis. While these preliminary results are encouraging, the efficacy and safety of this combined endovascular approach warrant evaluation in appropriately designed prospective studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 1","pages":"52-55"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13371687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148457754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pelvic pain in women: a systematic review.","authors":"Gianpaolo Ronconi, Rossella Calciano, Giuseppe Gullo, Antonella Vitale, Eliana Rampulla, Alberto Cutaia, Augusto Fusco, Elisabetta Lama, Eleonora Conti, Valentina Billone, Paola Emilia Ferrara","doi":"10.5114/pm.2026.161669","DOIUrl":"10.5114/pm.2026.161669","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects approximately 26% of women and significantly impacts quality of life. Common causes include dysmenorrhea and pelvic floor dysfunction. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is widely used for pain relief to inhibit pain transmission and stimulate endogenous opioid release. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS in the rehabilitation of pelvic pain in women through randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases using the terms \"transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation\", \"pelvic pain\", and \"pelvic floor\", selecting RCTs published between 2020 and 2025. Inclusion criteria followed the PICO framework, targeting adult women with CPP and TENS as the intervention. Studies involving males, pregnancy, or without full texts were excluded. PRISMA guidelines were followed; study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria; they involved 281 participants. Three studies focused on primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and one on vestibulodynia. All studies reported a significant reduction in pain following TENS treatment, assessed by the visual analogue scale or numeric rating scale, with some studies also noting reduced analgesic consumption. However, improvements in secondary outcomes such as sexual function and pelvic floor muscle strength were inconsistent. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation appears to be an effective, safe, and non-invasive modality for reducing pelvic pain in women, especially in cases of PD and vestibulodynia. Evidence remains limited by heterogeneity in study protocols and outcome measures. Further high-quality RCTs are needed for standardized protocols and broader rehabilitative outcomes, including functional and quality-of-life improvements.</p>","PeriodicalId":55643,"journal":{"name":"Przeglad Menopauzalny","volume":"25 1","pages":"45-51"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13371684/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148457806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}